DARROW PAPERS
1812-1825, 1864-1879

Musdp Collection D1

This collection consists of three documents donated
with a few Civil War artifacts to The EM Violette Museum by the Darrow
family some time prior to 1947 as well as some items found in an old
house and donated by another individual at a later date. It includes an account book
maintained by Joseph Darrow, a court summons issued to Mr. Darrow; also a
Civil War diary and account book maintained by his grandson, Lt. Edwin
Darrow. Typed transcripts of Joseph’s account book and Edwin’s
diary accompany the originals, but it is unknown who completed them or
when they were added to the collection.

Joseph Darrow was born in West Lebanon, NY, March 27, 1775, and moved
to Stow, OH in 1799. He was a surveyor by trade and, as one of
Summit County’s early pioneers, surveyed many of its roads and
townships. He was also the founder of Darrowville and made many
other contributions to the development and heritage of Stow and the
surrounding area. He served in the Ohio Militia in the War of
1812. Joseph Darrow died November 13, 1856 at the age of 81.

Edwin Darrow was born in Summit County, OH, July 28, 1829, and moved
with his parents to Adair County, MO in 1854. He began his military
service with the Fiftieth Regiment, Enrolled Missouri Militia in 1862,
later serving in the Second Provisional Regiment, State Troops. In
1864, he was commissioned First Lieutenant of Company A, 39th Infantry,
Missouri Volunteers. He was mustered out with the rank of Lieutenant
July 19, 1865 at St. Louis. Following his military service, Darrow
twice held the office of sheriff and collector for Adair County. In
1882, he was elected President of the First National Bank and later
served as director of The Kirksville Savings Bank. Edwin Darrow died
October 27, 1887 and is buried at Forest Cemetery, Kirksville.